India 2019. We were searching for Poecilotheria regalis but we found Poecilotheria metallica! This discovery extended this tarantulas known range by 250km so they're not as endangered as first thought. You can download and watch this documentary by visiting lovetarantulas.com

Bucket list beetle! Today's field trip flashback takes us back to India where we were lucky enough to find the amazing Domino beetle (Anthia sexguttata). Check out those impressive jaws! There's a longer video on our YouTube channel.

A beautiful Puss moth (Cerura vinula) caterpillar so called after the cat-like appearance of the adult moth, this species is fairly common throughout most of the UK. If disturbed, it raises its head to show its 'face' and waves the twin tails, which have red extendable flagellae.

New project! Did you know that male tarantulas use species specific patterns of vibrations and drumming during courtship? We're looking to loan adult male tarantulas to record and build a catalogue of these sound signatures using highly sensitive contact microphones. Can you help? Send us a message!

“We had an exciting visitor to our Summer Club today! We were joined by bugsnstuff who brought various animals, insects and minibeasts to school. The children explored and learnt all about their features, habitats and adaptations with a hands-on experience. What a brilliant start to Nature Week!”

Nice to see the Northern hairy wood ants (Formica lugubris) are thriving at Hamsterley Forest! Nests can have multiple queens and contain up to 70,000 workers!

Fieldtrip flashback! Suriname 2012 after finding the Goliath tarantula (Theraphosa sp.). Footage from this trip can be found in the lovetarantulas.com documentary "THERAPHOSA & EPHEBOPUS: Suriname's giant forest floor tarantulas." 📷 Michael Jacobi.

The first female Eyed Hawkmoth (Smerinthus ocellatus) has emerged! Check out those eye spots! A male emerged soon after so we're pleased to report that they've already paired so a second generation is underway of this stunning UK moth! #bugsnstuff #researchedinthewild #bringlessonsalive

Maybe not the best idea to climb an ancient 180m rock fortress during a storm? On field trips, we rarely get a chance to be tourists but on our last day in Sri Lanka, three of us decided to climb Sigiriya. youtu.be/nLDy62S411o

Sri Lanka : Climbing Sigiriya in a storm?

YouTube video by bugsnstuff

youtu.be

New additions! Our colony of Trinidad bat-cave cockroaches (Eublaberus distanti) are finally mature! They grow to approximately 6.4 cm in length and are widespread throughout Central and Southern America.

"Year 5 had a lovely morning with Guy from bugsnstuff. They saw a range of rainforest insects, arachnids, reptiles and amphibians. All of the children were very brave and enjoyed learning about the animals in action!"

Ah, the skin bin. Everyone has one, right?

"Reception spent a fabulous morning with Guy from bugsnstuff who brought lots of amazing mega beasts to visit! Thank you so much Guy for a really amazing experience, the children loved it!"

"The Hub enjoyed a fantastic workshop today exploring creatures with a visit from Guy from bugsnstuff!"

Target tarantula no. 6 for this Sri Lankan trip - the Yellow backed Ornamental (Poecilotheria smithi), named after Andrew Smith.

We're raising a handful of Eyed Hawkmoth (Smerinthus ocellatus) caterpillars here at BNS HQ. Check out that vibrant green body and the blue-coloured spike at the rear!

"A Bug Tastic Day to Remember in Early Years and Key Stage 1! Our pupils had an unforgettable hands on learning experience as we welcomed bugsnstuff into school for a series of exciting and educational workshops meeting some incredible “Mega” creatures!"

A closer look at the beautiful colouration of target tarantula no. 5 on this Sri Lankan trip - the stunning Highland Ornamental. Is this Poecilotheria subfusca or something else? Our new lovetarantulas.com documentary answers this question once and for all. www.kickstarter.com/projects/lov...

Target tarantula no. 5 for this Sri Lankan trip - the stunning highland Ivory Ornamental (Poecilotheria subfusca) - or is it?

New addition! Cherry leg titan millipedes (Balustreptus falcatus)! A striking large species reaching up to 20cm+ in length.

We were stopped and searched twice by Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation officers accompanied by the local Police. As we take nothing but photos, all went well. We commended them on a job well done and once we explained our project, they wanted selfies with us!

"What an incredible day we’ve had celebrating the 100th birthday of the wonderful Sir David Attenborough! To make the celebrations extra special, we had an exciting visit from bugsnstuff. The children had the opportunity to meet a variety of fascinating creatures up close!"

You could say our recent pairing of Emperor moths (Saturnia pavonia) was a success! We'll raise these up a little more before release, adding to the local population.

"This week, Year 5 enjoyed a visit from bugsnstuff and some awesome creatures. The visit supported their learning about rainforests and it was fascinating to see the animals up close and personal!"

One of our Giant vinegaroons (Mastigoproctus giganteus) is carrying eggs! The eggs are kept in a membranous sac attached to the female's body for several months before hatching.

Sri Lanka. A nice Wandering spider (Ctenidae). These free-roaming spiders don't spin a web to capture prey but actively hunt in the leaf litter using their good eyesight.

Monthly weigh-in for BEEF, one of our Smooth sided toads (Rhaebo guttatus).

Sri Lanka. A nice sized whip scorpion or vinegaroon (Thelyphonus sepiaris). When threatened, they may discharge an offensive, vinegar-smelling liquid, which contains acetic acid!

"Year 1 and 2 were such brave animal investigators this morning and met lots of minibeasts (although not so mini!) including Joanne the tarantula, a huge cockroach and even a snake! A huge thank you to Guy from bugsnstuff and well done everyone!"

"Early Years had a fantastic day today! We met Guy from bugsnstuff, who brought along his wonderful and interesting creatures to meet. We got to touch and handle some unique creatures such as a cockroach and millipede, and stroked a lizard, tarantula and snake!"